How brown fat's mitochondria help burn calories
Mitochondrial dynamics and the control of adipose tissue thermogenesis
This work looks at how parts inside brown and beige fat cells—mitochondria and peroxisomes—help them burn energy, with a goal of helping people with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294344 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying brown and beige fat, focusing on mitochondria and peroxisomes that drive heat production. They use mouse models with fat-specific gene knockouts, cell experiments, and protein mass spectrometry to track how norepinephrine triggers mitochondrial fission and peroxisome recruitment. The team tests whether dietary plasmalogen supplements can restore normal mitochondrial dynamics and thermogenesis in affected mice. Results could identify targets or molecules to boost brown fat activity for later human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes interested in metabolism-focused treatments would be the most likely human candidates for follow-up studies.
Not a fit: People without metabolic disease or those expecting immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit from this early-stage, lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to boost brown fat activity to help people lose weight and improve blood sugar control.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and some early human studies show brown fat activation can increase energy use, but the peroxisome–plasmalogen mechanism is a newer idea mainly tested in mice.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lodhi, Irfan J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lodhi, Irfan J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.